Brother MFC 1950MC thermal ribbon fax machine

I have had this machine (Brother MFC 1950 MC) for 10 years - it has always worked fine and I have kept it clean. I was receiving a fax and in the middle of the transmission - the ribbon ran out. I replaced it - and it picked up where it left off - as it always does - only suddenly the machine only printed on the "left" side of the page. I tried everything, cleaning printhead, changing to another ribbon cartridge, no luck. I had to go buy a new Brother Fax for my office. I was going to pitch the old machine when I saw a used one just like it on Ebay for $10 + $16 shipping. Since I had several PC101 ribbons left and no other use for them - I emailed the seller and asked about the machine and he assured me it worked fine. I thought what the heck - I'll take the chance - can use it at the house and use up my ribbons. I finally got it and it does the same exact thing - only it only prints on the "right" side of the page. What are the odds. I am a schmuck! I emailed Brother and they said to check for paper jam. There is no paper jam. My question - is it the printhead? I have sent an angry email to Ebay seller and can't believe he took me for $26 for a machine he had to know did not work. Now I have two that do the same thing - only on different sides of the paper. Any help from anyone?? Thanks - EM

lowdown Sep 08, 2007

Just a followup for anyone else having the same problem of fax machine (Brother MFC 1950MC) only printing on right or left side of page.

IT WAS THE BLUE LEVER LOCKS. I ordered new ones from "Brother" (who was no help at all in troubleshooting)and now the machine works just fine. I had a lot of trouble finding the answer to this problem - thanks to this site and another site for all the help. The plastic lever locks are only $2.13 a piece plus shipping. Thanks - MJ
Anonymous Mar 28, 2008

Says paper jam, but have taken all the steps. See no paper, but will not print and still says paper jam. I turned off the fax/printer and still no result.

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Anonymous

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The foam thing worked for my Brother MFC 1950MC. We have had the same problem with it only printing on half the page. Then it went to not printing at all.

I checked the blue clips and they seemed to be fine, no cracks.

So I added foam to the lid above the clips and then to on top of the silver bar. Used packing tape to close the lid and it works like a charm!

THANKS!!

Posted on Nov 24, 2008

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We have been using two of these relics at our office since 1993, as they have worked with no problems and have served our needs well. As a side note they were free gifts from Sprint for being a "valued" customer lol . Anyway, both cartridges went out at about the same time so I ran out and picked up two PC-101 cartridges. After replacing them, one of the machines won't print at all and the other prints on the right side only. Also each machine makes a scratching noise when it prints(or trys to print!) I think the issue is really tollerences in the cartridges as i can't believe the odds of two machines having isuues at the same time. I read the posts above and decided to fix it this way:

Take a narrow piece of foam(about a 1 inch thick), place it on top of the silver bar. Close the lid and tape it shut with some good packing tape. I made a criss-cross patern

Problem solved!!

Posted on Sep 10, 2008

Anonymous

Thanks for the response. Actually, I think it is the blue lever locks are worn. I applied pressure to the print head bar and sure enough both machines print out fine. Evidently, the blue lever locks that hold the print head bar down against the ribbon wear out over time and do not apply enough pressure. I got on the phone with Brother (an ordeal) and ordered new lever locks ($2.00 ea + $3.00 S&H) - why not throw good money after bad. I am on a mission now. At least three people from another fix it site told me 100% is it the lever locks. We'll see. I'll check out the Ebay site you mention. Oh yeah - my Ebay seller has been very nice and offered a refund. I told him to hold off to see if this fixes the problem - then we can resolve - but it was nice to know he stands behind what he sells. Thanks again - it would seem the print heads are not fried YET!

Posted on Aug 31, 2007

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Sounds like print heads are fried. I found this guys website [email protected] he says he has lots of brother parts and his rating is good. Otherwise you might have an auction of your own to sell your PC101 carts. As far as your Ebay problem, that's why they have a dispute department and feedback. Good luck

Posted on Aug 31, 2007

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